CNH Launches Indigenous Logic Model Cohort with Local Cherokee Artists

The Center for Native Health, supported by funding from First Nations Development Institute (FNDI) and Harrah's Cherokee Scholarship Fund, initiated CNH’s first-ever Indigenous Logic Model cohort. Building off of Executive Director Trey Adcock’s time in FNDI's Community of Practice for Fundraising 2024, this four-month process centered on logic model development as a form of participatory, culturally responsive planning and evaluation. Adcock said, “Logic modeling that is rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems can help organizations and other groups consider their mission, work and values in culturally rooted practices while engaging stakeholders in ways that uphold tribal sovereignty.”

Specifically, CNH contracted with UNC Asheville professor Dr. Ameena Batada to build a cohort of five Cherokee artists to engage in this process of learning about logic model development including graphic facilitation, illustrated note-taking and concept visualization. The EBCI artists that participated were Jakeli Swimmer, Kevin Tafoya, Atsei Cooper, Trista Welch and Hope Huskey. 

“I think anyone with even a little creativity or artistic ability should consider this cohort. When you come into this class, you learn a whole new skill set that’s just starting to trend and gain popularity. You never know what your strength is going to be, and several of us here have discovered that during these sessions. Take the class, learn your strengths, and be willing to help organizations in your community share their message in a unique and impactful way.” said Trista Welch when asked why other artists should join the cohort in the future.

By building the skill set of Cherokee artists to include logic modeling and visualization, CNH is aiming to build capacity within the broader EBCI community. We hope other organizations on the Qualla Boundary and in surrounding areas that are engaged in strategic planning work will employ these artists to develop logic models that are culturally relevant and collaborative. 

To learn more about the artists and how your organization can best collaborate with them, visit our Logic Model Artist Directory here: www.centerfornativehealth.org/logic-model-artist-directory

Left to right: Trista Welch, Kevin Tafoya, Hope Huskey, Jakeli Swimmer, Atsei Cooper